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California bad credit loans: Easy loans from direct lenders

California bad credit loans can be approved by direct lenders instantly with funds deposited within days.

California bad credit loans offer borrowers access to a fixed amount of money that can be paid off over several years. These loans can be an alternative resource for people with bad credit looking to avoid short-term payday loans.

Installment loans for bad credit typically offer a cheaper way to borrow money than a payday loan. Plus, with on-time monthly payments, you have a chance to build a positive credit history.

Online lenders have made it quite easy to get approved for California bad credit loans.

Instead of traveling from bank to bank you can research lenders, check your eligibility without a hard-pull on your credit report, and get funded as soon as the next business day in most cases.

California bad credit direct lenders

Risky borrowers will likely pay a higher rate than good credit borrowers. But keep in mind that most California bad credit loans allow you to repay the loan early without a pre-payment fee.

1. Universal Credit

About Universal Credit: Upgrade was founded in 2017 in San Francisco, with offices in Atlanta, Phoenix and Montreal. Upgrade offers personal loans to borrowers with good to bad credit. Loan amounts range from $1,000 to $50,000, and funds are typically funded as soon as the next business day. Borrowers can use the funds for a variety of purposes, including debt consolidation, home improvements, and large purchases.

Universal Credit details:

  • Suggested minimum credit score is 560
  • Loan amounts range from $1,000 – $50,000.
  • Repay monthly, over 3, 5, or 7 years.
  • Estimated APR: 11.69% – 35.99%.
  • Loan origination fee of 5.25% to 9.99% of the loan amount which is deducted directly from your loan funds.
  • Universal Credit reports loan payments to all three major credit bureaus.
  • No prepayment fee.
  • Offers a 0.5 percentage point rate discount for setting up autopay.
  • Universal Credit borrowers have free access to their credit score, credit monitoring and a credit score simulator tool.
APPLY NOW

2. OppLoans

About OppLoans: OppLoans started in 2012 to give people with less than perfect credit access to no collateral signature loans. If you’ve exhausted all other borrowing options, OppLoans may be the solution in an emergency. While their loans have longer terms than payday loans, OppLoans’ rates are like payday loans, ranging from 59% to 160%. Proceed with caution if you decide to accept a loan offer but keep in mind, you can pay this loan off early to save money on interest.

OppLoans details:

  • If approved, you may receive money in your account as soon as the same business day.
  • 350 minimum score required
  • Loan amounts range from $500 to $4,000.
  • Repay monthly, over 9 – 18 months.
  • Estimated APR: 59% – 160%.
  • No prepayment penalties – Repay your loan early and save money in interest with no hidden fees
  • OppLoans reports customer payment history to the three major credit bureaus.
  • Monthly minimum income of $1,500.
APPLY NOW

3. CashUSA

CashUSA is a lending network that connects borrowers with multiple lenders that make pre-qualify with a soft credit pull. If you’re prequalified, you will be asked to complete a loan application and have your funds deposited into a linked bank account within one business day.

CashUSA details:


  • Loans from $500 to $10,000.
  • Receive a loan decision in minutes.
  • Get funds directly to your bank account.
  • Loan terms range from 3 to 72 Months.
  • Estimated APR: 5.99% – 35.99%.
  • Minimum credit score: 500.
APPLY NOW

4. LendingPoint

LendingPoint loans start at $2,000 up to $36,500, with funding available as soon as the next business day. Loan amounts are lower than some competitors but no collateral is required. LendingPoint reports payments to two of the three major credit bureaus, which can help improve your credit score over time.

LendingPoint details:

  • Suggested minimum credit score is 600
  • Loan amounts range from $2,500 – $36,500.
  • Repay monthly, over 2 to 5 years.
  • Estimated APR: 7.99% to 35.99%.
  • Loan origination fee of 0% to 7.00% of the loan amount which is deducted directly from your loan funds.
  • No prepayment fee.
APPLY NOW

5. BadCreditLoans

BadCreditLoans offers personal loans that range from $500 to $10,000 with repayment terms from up to 36 months. BadCreditLoans makes it easier for people with bad to find a loan because you complete one application and one credit check to potentially get connected with lenders who may be willing to approve your application.

BadCreditLoans details:

  • Quick application for multiple lenders.
  • Loan terms up to 36 months.
  • Have a credit score of at least 500.
  • Prequalify with a soft pull that won’t harm credit.
  • Have a regular income, either from full-time employment, self-employment, or disability or Social Security benefits.
  • Have a checking account in your name.
APPLY NOW

Benefits of borrowing with an online lender

Online lenders for California bad credit loans can tell you instantly if you’re approved, how much you can borrow, and what your payments will look like – all with no impact on your FICO credit score. Banks and credit unions cannot compete when it comes to the immediate approval of California bad credit loans.

Typically, a bank loan officer will need to review the application, you may be required to submit documentation, then wait for an answer for several days or even weeks.

Requirements for California bad credit loans

Like most loans, there is standard information and documentation necessary to apply for a California bad credit loan but the application process is completed entirely online. You will need the following:

  • Must be 18+ years old.
  • Must be a legal resident of the US.
  • Personal information such as your Social Security Number and address.
  • Monthly income from a job, self-employment or benefits like SSI, disability, or retirement.
  • Financial information (such as information about your expenses like monthly rent or mortgage payment).
  • Have an active checking account. (If you currently don’t have a checking account due to ChexSystems, banks that don’t use ChexSystems will open a new account for you.

Shop Online for a Loan without hurting your score

With online bad credit loans in California, it’s fairly safe to shop around. Just make sure the online lender states they prequalify borrowers without impact on your credit score.

When you prequalify for a loan, a lender gives you a general idea of how much you might be able to borrow and with what terms without using a hard inquiry to check your credit history.

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